Garcia's visit came as part of a statewide Colorado Completes! effort to promote student retention, persistence and graduation. The Western Competes! event recognized the university's PRIME program, while also highlighting other programs that promote student success at Western.

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The day's event got underway as snow flurries floated in from Hartman Rocks. Despite the chilly weather, the Mountaineer Bowl was packed with families and friends eager to see the Class of 2015 walk across the stage.

Gary Snyder recently spoke at Western, as part of the Headwaters Conference. Before the reading, John Hausdoerffer, the Director of Western's new Master's in Environmental Management and of Headwaters, invited a group to dinner with Snyder -- where I took this photo -- and we had a great time. The man is still utterly vibrant at almost 85, and not only was engaging at dinner but then gave an inspiring reading and talk for over an hour to more than 550 people -- the vast majority of them under 25 -- in Taylor Auditorium. Poetry is alive and well. Thanks, Gary.